We have some inspirational people come to Parklands to share their stories. Back in 2019 a young lady by the name of Nicola McDermott came to our school. Over 100 of our students had the opportunity to meet the then 22-year-old Australian high jump, bronze medallist; Nicola claimed the bronze medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and has travelled the world with many other high jumpers to help expand her knowledge and skill in the sport. Nicola talked to the students about how she came from a small town in New South Wales where many believed she would never get to the level that she is right now. She talked about how she was training in a small garage with a friend while still attending school and working in a fish and chip shop. Nicola talked about how she had to work hard and didn’t have everything given to her at any stage, unlike the other girls in her sport who had access to high tech gyms and training programs. In a less than perfect environment, with support from family and some friends, with grit and determination and a desire to succeed, she still made it to the highest level of competition in the world. Nicola had a goal that she shared with the students on that day, which was to be the first Australian woman to jump 2 meters. Then on the 18 April this year, she achieved that goal, beating the previous mark of 1.99 meters set last year by her domestic rival Elanor Patterson. Nicola has qualified for the Tokyo Games and will be in the hunt for a medal. She never gave up on her dream and at the age of 24 became the first Australian woman to jump 2 meters. Those students, two years ago, were encouraged to never give up on their sporting dreams and know that they can do anything they put their mind to. I would echo that sentiment but take it further to never give up on any of your dreams. Tough times will come, you will have ups and downs, the environment and opportunities may be limited but you can do anything that you put your mind to. There will be those who knock you and can’t see you succeeding, but also there will be those supporting you and cheering you on.

Nicola’s message was inspiring two years ago and now we can see the dream that she had realised. I don’t believe that it will stop there for her. I would imagine that the goal of an Olympic medal is in her sights and I for one will be cheering her on.   

Mr Chris Swain

School Chaplain